C H E N T A I C H I A C A D E M Y

P O O L E

Authentic Chen Style Taijiquan

"We’ve been students of Marc for over 7 years now and in all that
time his never ending patience, love and enthusiasm for authentic Chen
Style Tai Chi has never faltered.

Over this time, we have had the
opportunity to attend a few seminars around the country with various
other teachers. Attending with an open mind and the intention to see how
we compared with similar students.

We are always delighted to see how well Marc has taught us.

He is extremely generous with his teaching and willing to impart his
experiences and knowledge of the inner depths of Tai Chi for those
students wishing to dig further than just scraping the surface.

If you are contemplating this wonderful and absorbing form of Tai Chi
for health, fitness or for martial interest, make 2018 ‘The Year of the Dog’’, the year in which to do it."

"Thanks a lot Marc. The honour was mine to have you as teacher. The skills I gained were only the reflection of
what you have been giving to the class, and to me. What I have learned,
understood, gained is priceless. I remember the first classes where I
was just curious of what Tai Chi was, not knowing exactly what I wanted
or looking for. And it was fine for you, you gave me a chance and the
time to find out my way. I was amazed by your passion about martial art
and Tai Chi, by your knowledge and expertise, and by your modesty. There
is patience in everything you explain, everything you show. Always questioning yourself and ask for our feedback to improve your way of
teaching. Always careful that everybody gets what they need. You've
never tried to push people beyond what they can do, unless they've
been asking for it :) This helped build self confidence and respect :) I
always had trouble with discipline, and yet I didn't have to think
about it in this class, it was so obvious to me I have to come to the
classes, not for duty, but for the pleasure and satisfaction of learning
this amazing art that is Tai Chi.You have managed to create a perfect environment in the Academy for learning Tai Chi. I wish everybody could see it :)
It is heartbreaking for me to leave, and I will keep on going on this
path. You've showed me the way, it is up to me now to continue this
journey, taking with me all your advice, encouragement and teaching.So thank you or everything, for your friendship. I wish you the very best and all the success that you and the Academy deserve." Sybille A. - moving abroad.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Last year I started classes with Chen Tai Chi Academy Poole as a complete
beginner. I learned so much but I now realize that I will always be a
beginner – there is always so much more to learn through Tai chi – about
this amazing martial art and about yourself. Through
Tai chi I began to recognize things about myself and begin to develop
an enlightening new perspective on life. The group helped me through a
difficult time and, more than that, managed to give me happiness despite
difficult things going on in life. I left
each class feeling calm and energized – no matter what had happened in
the day beforehand!

Marc is a very patient and incredibly knowledgeable teacher and makes
sure that everyone is catered for. The classes allow each individual to
work at their own pace and level of challenge. He knows exactly how to
explain things and always willing to look
for many different ways so everyone understands.

I was extremely sorry to leave the class when I left Bournemouth, but I will always carry what I've learned there with me.

"The Chen Tai Chi Academy you are running is an extraordinary space and
place for people from all ways of life who are interested in this
amazing art. When we met the first time at the academy I instantly felt
to be at the right place. You are teaching Chen Tai Chi with openness
and support no matter of the student’s age and capability. No matter if
someone enjoyed staying on the surface
by having fun, and benefiting from all the healthy effects in his or
her “one hour a week session” or if someone is dedicated to delve deeply
into the vast territory of the Martial Art and philosophy of Chen Tai
Chi. I always loved to be a part of the Academy and the community you
created through the mutual learning. I will miss the cheery
companionship of the “Tai Chi Brothers and Sisters” as well as the
Sunday sessions. Through your teaching from your deep knowledge,
insights and understanding of Chen Tai Chi and Martial Arts I have
learned a lot, and I definitely will continue this path – always be
willing to wear the white belt ;-)
For everyone who’s interested in Chen Tai Chi I highly recommend the
Chen Tai Chi Academy and its outstanding teacher Marc Ditcher–just pop
in and get a feeling of it… Again thank you for the wonderful Tai
Chi time! All the best for your future, and I’m quite sure we’ll see
each other again one day! With deep gratitude Thorsten"

"I began training with Marc in 2008 primarily because of a back injury and thought it would be a gentle form of exercise to strengthen my core.
However after a few weeks of classes I realised there was so much more to be gained from Taiji.
Marc's patient and expert tuition coupled with his enthusiasm for the art has led me further on the Taiji path than I ever thought I would go. What I initially thought was just some gentle exercise has developed into a real desire to learn and push myself to develop the skills that Marc is teaching.

The academy has become a great place for those wishing to further their Taiji with regular workshops and seminars, open training on arranged Sunday's and private tuition. Marc is always on hand to answer any questions and make corrections as needed.
The classes are relaxed and friendly and the opportunities are there to learn not just hand forms but also sword forms and push hands, which lead into developing martial skills.
I have trained push hands with Marc for a few years now on and off and in this limited time have begun to develop the martial aspect of Taiji which also helps progress the understanding of the forms. Marc's patient and relaxed style of teaching has helped me to break through barriers that I had put in the way of my learning and his knowledge of Taiji philosophy that he willingly imparts has not only helped in my Taiji practice but also in my personal life.
I would recommend the academy to anyone interested in learning Taiji."

"I
enjoy the relaxed friendly teaching style and the quality of the tai
chi taught. Its authentic, traditional Chen style tai chi to suit all
ages and body types, taught to a high standard in an easy manner. Well
done." Richard B

"I've been attending the academy for about 2 years and in that time I feel my health has improved a great deal.
Marc's high level teaching's and demonstrations of tai chi are professional, clear and precise. I strongly recommend the one-on-one lessons, to me they have been very beneficial in learning about correct posture (something I've struggled with for years) and advancing in the forms.
The academy has a warm friendly atmosphere and is very enjoyable to be part of." Andy B

"I
was diagnosed with type 2 Diabetes in 2008. My GP said I needed to
exercise more. I tried a formal keep fit class & hated it and so
took a Nordic walking course. The instructor told us about an open
evening being held on Tai Chi. It appealed to me and I have attended
Marc's classes ever since. Marc is a very patient teacher, his classes
are stimulating, challenging, and importantly, enjoyable. The club is
very friendly, and now Marc intends to hold monthly seminars to refine
what he teaches in his classes." Bernice O

"After a long wait & search to
find a suitable Taichi club I feel quite rewarded that I have finally
found one. Marc's style of teaching is what I have been looking for -
clear explanations, positive energy, calmness and endless patience! But
most importantly, helping me understand the principles of the form by
way of demonstration / application. The members of the club are equally
enthusiastic and are helpful, warm, friendly people. I have been with
the club for over a year, making full use of the gold membership package
which is a great opportunity to learn more. I love the fact that with
Taichi, I will always be learning, thus making my continual training
endless..." Marie M

"Originally
I started Tai chi as a method of relaxation from a busy office job. My
initial understanding of Tai Chi was to learn the moves & repeat. 3
years further on I can say that I was very wrong. With Marc's full
understanding of Tai chi, its roots in history, its technical &
physical as well as emotional benefits I now consider Tai chi to be many
things that can improve all aspects of your life - with no magic
involved - just knowledge and practice. Thanks to both Marc &
Jacqui." Simon K

"Having
played sport all my life, in particular Football and Karate in the
sixties and seventies, many of the injuries sustained then have
inhibited my search for other sports later in life, so finding
something suitable was a challenge. Knowing very little about Tai Chi
other than the usual footage that most people see on travel programs
about China, I found Chen Tai Chi Academy was right on my doorstep.

After
attending the first group class, I was hooked! It was nothing at all
like I imagined. The hall was not filled with ancient people waving
their arms in the air. Instead it was an eclectic mix of all ages and
abilities. Marc, the teacher, was brilliant! His easy going informative
approach and pearls of wisdom related to Tai Chi was entertaining and
made the class enjoyable. I opted for private lessons as well, that's
where the fun really started! I found out how patient he really was
with someone naturally blessed with two left feet! Now, some three years
down the road, the former injuries to ankles, wrists and knees have
lessened and my posture, balance, fitness and health have all improved.
For me, Marc was a real find and to date, he's still working on my two
left feet." Paul H

"We
started Tai Chi 7 years ago in order to improve our health, this we
feel we have done. Marc is patient and knowledgeable and his teaching is
excellent. Marc's one to one private lessons are the perfect add-on to
the general classes. We would highly recommend Tai Chi to everyone."
Terry & Pauline S

"To
be honest I started Tai Chi just to keep my husband Paul company but I
soon got hooked. I've always liked yoga and did aerobics for many years
but this is unique as it's relaxing but challenging. Marc is a great
teacher and the words used by most students are 'extremely patient!'.
Believe me he needs to be! The classes are friendly and each Christmas
we go for a meal (Chinese of course!) which is good fun. I find the
private tuition really helpful as well. Tai Chi is so worth giving a
try." Diane H

"Since
starting training at the club I have found Tai chi to be an
indispensable method of mental & physical relaxation and I've found
it has improved my concentration, posture & fitness. I would
recommend these classes over books or DVDs, as Marc explains and
demonstrates the subtler aspects of Tai chi very effectively." Daniel B

My sons encouraged me to take up Tai Chi to hopefully help both my physical and mental well-being (following the diagnosis of a terminal illness some time ago). Initially, I was somewhat apprehensive, but after only two lessons I found myself wanting to find out more about Tai Chi.

Marc is passionate about Tai Chi and passes on his skills and knowledge to beginners like myself in a very down-to-earth way.

Personally, I find myself enjoying and benefiting from the exercises as well as the Tai Chi routines; there is a sense of achievement when a new move is more or less mastered!